The Raptors kick off their season—minus their epic mascot

At tonight’s Raptors home opener, the team will be down its biggest star. The Raptor, the NBA’s most undeniablyawesome mascot, is out for the season after tearing his Achilles tendon at a pre-season appearance earlier this month. Rather than shove someone else into the hallowed suit (which would, of course, be a crime), the franchise is wisely introducing an all-new Jurassic character: Stripes, who is being billed as The Raptor’s younger, stripier cousin, will have a chance to prove his mettle at tonight’s opening game. For fans who aren’t quite ready to accept the interloper, The Raptor will also be on-hand—and on crutches—to say hello.